What makes a good guide?

[Jim Wyatt]

I think it's cavern divemaster you are thinking of, there is no cave suppervisor in the IANTD curriculum - as far as I know - and cavern DM only takes divers in caverns.

There is in fact a Technical Dive supervisor rating for cave diving in the IANTD cirriculum. Billybones went thru the program last year.

[CaveBuddy95]

I am looking at the IANTD standards now and the only supervisor I can see is for technical diver. "in OW and all IANTD programs ... except overhead"
So I would say my bad, there was such a thing but this cert does not apply to overhead as such, the Tec Diver SUpervisor cannot take divers in the overhead.
I can't imagine this being a cave guide-like certification.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

Cheers

[Jim Wyatt]

I am looking at the IANTD standards now and the only supervisor I can see is for technical diver. "in OW and all IANTD programs ... except overhead"
So I would say my bad, there was such a thing but this cert does not apply to overhead as such, the Tec Diver SUpervisor cannot take divers in the overhead.
I can't imagine this being a cave guide-like certification.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

Cheers

Page 104 of the current IANTD S&P's. See my PM also.

[CaveBuddy95]

Hi Jim,
sorry to be repetitive but in the standards it says that this tech diver supervisor may supervise divers in OW and student in all IANTD programs - except overhead - And in direct supervision of an IT during cave courses or whatnot. (standards 2009)
Maybe in the US the insurance ask to be at least Tec Diver Supervisor but this does not make you a cave guide. It may be a prerequisite to get liability coverage. But its not a "guide certification" as such.
A Tec Diver supervisor is an assistant instructor. An instructor in the making.

And also on IANTD site

Or at least this is how I interprete the standards. But maybe I'm wrong. Will check with my IT tomorrow.

Cheers

Jason

[reato]

I really think Jason is right.
I 'm using the new IANTD standards and there is nothing about "cave supervisor".
Anyone could be a "cave guide", as anyone could be an "open water guide". A guide is somebody who knows the place enough to show to other people caracteristic points and avoid known risks.

[Cindy]

Not to go too far off the line now but most US cave guides are volunteers. I did go through a mentoring program to be a guide at Alachua. I was 'trained' by the chief guide on how to handle emergencies, how to 'read' the divers and cave conservation. I also had to check off with almost all the guides: Bill Main, Lloyd Baily, Jim Taylor, Bob Messersmith, Tom Morris, Woody Jasper, John Moseley, one or two others, it's been a while. I do not carry insurance other than DAN, CPR, and am a Diver Medic. As a mentor or volunteer for a non-profit organization the guides do not charge and are not liable as a paid professional guide would be. Standards and training for guides at places like Alachua, Hart, etc. are set and enforced by the land owners in conjunction with the chief guide. Most guides do this free service to 1. get and keep a cave open for cave diving, 2. get to dive the cave, 3. get to meet people and enjoy the company of new friends, 4. conserve and protect the cave for future divers by use of good dive planning. (Not in any order of priority) Personally I wish all caves not used for training reasons were on a guide system of some kind. If nothing else to provide mentors and introduce people to the cave for the first dive or two. I had mentors or more experienced divers with me during most of my dives before I got into exploration. I feel that there isn't enough of that happening anymore. I would not trade anything for the great experiences I have had guiding people, many from other countries, many who became good friends, not for all the money in the world.